I’ve had a stutter my entire life, it’s gotten worse when I feel my confidence is low. The key to social confidence with a stutter is putting yourself in situations that push you out of your comfort zone. I think a big part of stuttering confidently throughout life is perception of self. Throughout high school I would really let it hold me back socially, and I would want to say something but I would choose not too. I find that adds to the lack of self esteem, hence letting the stutter “control” you. When I started getting into the workforce I had to communicate whether I liked it or not, I started making a point of making myself “uncomfortable” by speaking up and talking as much as I could. All the people I started interacting with helped me build my confidence and it really opened my eyes to how much people don’t really care about a stutter. I still stutter moderately, but I feel very confident in myself knowing I’m comfortable with who I am and I certainly don’t let my stutter dictate my life. Without discomfort there is no growth my friend, put yourself out there! Confidence is just a mindset, and life is beautiful when you put yourself out there to see all that it has to offer. But, the first step starts with you. Make a point of making conversation with the people around you when You get an opportunity too. At the end of the day, you can do anything if you put your mind to it. Go to family events that make you uncomfortable, talk to that girl in the line up at the coffee shop, walk right up to the store employee when you need help finding something, and you’ll watch yourself become someone you’ve always wanted to be. I know you can do it, because I could too. I wish I could look back at my teenage self who’s face would turn red after I’d stutter on every word after introducing myself, and show him the man I’m so proud to be today. Although this comment might be long, I hope it gave you a little push to be confident in who you are, being unique is a gift!